Wagga suburb to get new bus shelters and routes

Wagga Wagga suburb Estella is set to receive two new bus shelters and routes after securing funding from Transport for NSW.

Part of the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS), the two shelters will be constructed at 2 Rainbow Drive (Estella Shopping Centre) and Estella Road (Estella Public School).

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Feedback was taken from the community regarding where they would like to see the new stops, with close proximity to schools and supermarkets coming as a top priority.

They are estimated to be completed by June 30, 2025.

The development of the two new shelters will most likely align with local operator Busabout’s new ticketless tap and go options. The new ticketless option was announced by the state government in late March and a trial is expected by June this year.

In the coming months, 21 local buses in the area will be fitted with the tap and go payment technology, bringing the region in line with metropolitan areas where people have been able to pay without cash for years.

This technology means most passengers will now be able to use their smart phone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.

“In Question Time last October, I asked Minister Aitchison about the rollout of contactless payment for Wagga Wagga bus passengers, and I welcome her commitment to bringing this new technology to our city,” Independent member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr says.

“It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”